The Havanese is a native lapdog of Cuba that was popular among the island’s aristocrats and wealthy planters. 

This breed gets its name from Havana, the capital city of Cuba, where it originated centuries ago. It is believed to have developed when Spanish colonists brought the Bichon Tenerife to Cuba in the 16th century. The Havanese is sometimes referred to as the Bichon Havanese.

Cuban refugees brought the breed to the U.S. in the mid-20th century during the 1959 Cuban Revolution, and since then, it has become a beloved member of the Toy group.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) ranks the Havanese as the 25th most popular in the U.S. 

Havanese dogs are small but sturdy, making them well-suited for city living. Their adaptable nature and social skills ensure they thrive in any environment, as long as they can capture the attention of admirers, both young and old.

A small breed that requires high-quality food appropriate to their age, weight and size. Get advice from your veterinary surgeon, and read more about what to feed your Havanese in our best foods for Havanese page, collated by our expert team.

General Characteristics: 

• Origin: Cuba
• Size: Small
• Height: 8.2 to 11.5 inches
• Weight: 7 to 13 pounds
• Lifespan: 14 to 16 years

Appearance: 

• Coat: Long, silky double coat.
• Colors: Wide range of colors, including white, cream, champagne, gold, red, sable, brindle, chocolate, silver, and black.
• Build: Small but sturdy.

Havanese Temperament: 

• Affectionate: This lovable dog is great with families, especially children.
• Playful: Havanese dogs enjoy playing games, learning new tricks, and spending time with their owners.
• Smart: Considered very intelligent dogs, and so alongside their eagerness, they are easy to train.

Training and Exercising: 

• Training: They are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train using positive reinforcement methods.
• Exercise: Havanese dogs have moderate exercise needs, so a short brisk walk or fun playtime indoors is sufficient.

Grooming: 

• Shedding: A low-shedding breed however daily brushing is required to stop matting and maintain their double coat.

Interesting Facts:  

• Havanese dogs are the national dog of Cuba.
• The breed is known for its ease of training. Consequently, these dogs frequently serve as assistance and therapy dogs, as well as in roles such as tracking.
• Two of the world’s most celebrated writers were Havanese owners. Ernest Hemingway fell under the Havanese spell during his 20 years in Cuba. About a 100 years earlier, Charles Dickens owned a tiny Havanese named Tim.
• The Havanese was a status symbol in Cuba and was considered a special gift. 
• The Havanese has become one of the fastest-growing dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club.
• A popular breed in England during the Victorian period. 

Havanese Price:

The average cost of a Havanese in the U.S. varies depending on the dog’s pedigree, the breeder’s reputation, location, and whether the dog is intended for show, breeding, or as a pet. Here’s a general guide:

Show Quality or Breeding Quality Havanese:

Price Range: $650 and $1800

If buying a Havanese puppy or specific breeds of Havanese, the price will be towards the more expensive end of the spectrum.

Rescue or Adoption:

Adoption Fee: Around $50 to $500

A Havanese adopted from a rescue organization or shelter generally costs less. This fee often includes initial veterinary care and spaying/neutering.